Strong Squad for Sidmouth

St Ives will be hoping for a high scoring bonus point win today against bottom side Sidmouth. This is the only fixture in th Western Counties league, this one being separated from the rest several weeks ago. Your writer has not been able to ascertain the reason for this oddity. However, a fifty point win could place The Hakes back into second place.

The recovery after the awful performance at St Austell has been very encouraging. The win at Kingsbridge last weekend demonstrates a lot of positives for the twam. Since I am strapped for time, you can add the words you feel appropriate. This was a first win in that part of the South Hams for six years.

While St Ives muster nine from the squad that played Sidmouth twelve months ago, our visitors havd fourteen newcomers. They have had a similar start to St Ives last season, with only one win and four losses. Noteably, their win came at the hands of St Austell in the seaon opener at Tregorric Park. Two close games against Devon rivals Paignton and Tiverton could have gone the other way and administrative errors have cost a further five points. Thus, Sidmouth are bottom of the table.

Mathematicians (people good at sums) will have calculated that The Hakes require a win by a margin of fifty four or more points to climb into second place in the league. The weather, the quality of the travelling side, the home team's approach will all play a factor. A bonus point win and an entertaining game will be success enough.

The side has a familiar look. Changes include Tom Chandler starting in place of Leigh Hocking at prop, the return of John Lamsin at second row and Harry Parton in the back row.

The backs are as for last week, while Tony Stevens makes himself available on the bench.

The club this year has promoted the idea of squad sponsors. At amateur level the sponsorship of actual players is ruled out. Therefore, we are delighted to have several former players willing to sponsor the forwards and backs.

Kick off today is at 3:00pm. All support is appreciated. It should be an entertaining game. The ful squad is:

Tom Chandler

Rob Elloway

Ben Taylor

Jamie Prisk

John Lamsin

Harry Parton

Cameron Bone

Martyn Lawrance

Sam Carter

Paul Thirlby

Peter Mabbott

Steve Kenward (Capt)

Tom Nicholas

Josh Palmer

Rhys Brownfield

Replacements:

Liam Jolly

Sean Stevens

Tony Stevens